May Juneau Commission on Sustainability Annual Report June 2013 through May 2014

Transcription

1 May 2014 Juneau Commission on Sustainability Annual Report June 2013 through May 2014 This report summarizes the Juneau Commission on Sustainability activities from June 2013 through May Overview In 2007, the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly established the Juneau Commission on Sustainability to research and advise the CBJ on community sustainability. The Commission s mission is to promote the economic, social, environmental, and governmental well-being of Juneau and all its inhabitants, now and in the future. The commission s powers and duties are to: Coordinate, propose, and promote sustainability initiatives amount residents, businesses, government, and non-governmental agencies and education organizations through education and outreach programs; make recommendations to the Juneau Assembly and CBJ Boards and Commissions on policies and programs that promote sustainability; research and apply for grants or other funds or CIPs from public or private agencies for the purpose of carrying out any of the provisions or purposes of the resolution establishing the commission; serve as an advisory group to the CBJ in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to target levels as adopted by the CBJ Assembly and; act as liaison between the public and the CBJ Assembly on sustainability related issues. The governing legislation for the Juneau Commission on Sustainability is City and Borough of Juneau Resolution 2401am, July 9, The mission of the former Juneau Energy Advisory Committee was folded into the policy and purpose of the Commission. Resolution 2401am also repealed Resolution 2376 relating to the Juneau Energy Advisory committee. The Commission s 2010 sunset date was removed by CBJ Resolution 2528, May 19, 2010.

2 Organization I. Membership The eleven member Commission is comprised of nine public members appointed by the Assembly, one member of the Assembly and one member of the Planning Commission. The Commission is supported by a CBJ staff liaison. The Commission s membership reflects environmental, social, economic, and governmental perspectives unified by the common interest of sustainability. Current members are: Member Term Expires Member Term Expires Lisa Weissler 6/30/2014, Chair Steve Behnke 6/30/2015,Vice Chair Lauren Heine 6/30/2016, Secretary Kate Bevegni 6/30/2016 Bob Deering 6/30/2015 Jenni Leffing 6/30/2016 Duff Mitchell 6/30/2016 Amy Skilbred 6/30/2014 Darrell Wetherall 6/30/2015 Ben Haight Planning Commission Liaison Kate Troll CBJ Assembly Liaison Beth McKibben CBJ Staff Liaison Others who served on the Commission during the past year included: Kate Troll, Chair (before election to Assembly) Jerry Nankervis, CBJ Assembly Liaison Persons who previously served on the Commission include: Public: Carol Anderson, Nathan Arentsen, Bob Bellagh, Sandy Boyce, Alida Bus, Catherine Fritz, Dave Hanna, Scott Jackson, Jonathan Kamler, Sarah Lewis, Sean Lynch, Greg McEwen, Sally Schlichting, Rick Wolk, Gayle Wood, Nancy Waterman, Amy Condra Assembly Liaison: Bob Doll, Karen Crane, Mary Becker Planning Commission Liaison: Dan Miller, Nancy Waterman, Nicole Grewe CBJ Staff Liaison: Maria Gladziszewski Previous chairs include: Gayle Wood, Sarah Lewis, Sandy Boyce, Sean Lynch, Alida Bus, Nancy Waterman, Kate Troll

3 II. Meetings and Subcomittees The Commission holds a regular meeting on the second Wednesday of each month. Subcommittees meet at monthly work sessions, usually the fourth Wednesday of each month. The Commission holds an annual retreat in January to identify goals and strategies for the calendar year. Out of each retreat, subcommittees are formed to take action on the priorities identified. Based on the January 2014 retreat, the Commission currently has the following subcommittees: Energy Solid Waste Sustainability Chapter, Comprehensive Plan Update Past subcommittees include: Climate Action Plan Implementation (2012), Sustainability Indicators (2012, 2011, 2010), Initiatives (2012), Energy/Green House Gas (2011, 2010, 2009), Food Security (2011, 2010, 2009), Built Environment, City Operations, Solid Waste (ad-hoc) and Transportation. A Commission member serves as a liaison with the CBJ Green Team. Accomplishments for I. Public Education and Outreach Continued to update the Sustainable Juneau website ( ). One of the top actions in the Juneau Climate Action Plan is the development of a website that provides information on energy conservation and energy efficiency and connects residents and business owners to local services and expertise. With cooperation from CBJ, continued to refine and update the website, and to post current events and activities on Facebook: Organized electric vehicle entry for 4th of July parade for the second year. Six electric vehicles participated in the event. Provided information on electric vehicles on Earth Day at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. Met with contractors preparing the CBJ Economic Development Plan. Heard presentation and provided feedback.

4 II. Energy CBJ Energy Plan One recommendations of the Juneau Climate Action & Implementation Plan (JCAP), adopted by the Assembly in 2011, was that the CBJ should develop an energy plan. At its January 2013 annual retreat, the Commission decided to make the development of an energy plan a top priority for the year. The JCAP establishes a community-- wide emissions reduction target of 25% by the year 2032 and sets out a wide range of options for accomplishing this goal. In January 2014, the Manager approved $40,000 to contract for an energy plan. At request of the manager, the JCOS developed a draft scope of Work for the plan. However, in March, the contract process was cancelled due to budget concerns. New Mendenhall Valley Library Advocated for greater consideration of sustainability and energy efficiency in design of new Mendenhall Valley library. Met with planning staff. Prepared letter with recommendations. District Heat Initiative Hosted discussion, including presentation by Kevin Crowley on the Renewable Energy Cluster s District Heat Initiative, which consists of connecting the major heating loads in the Juneau Downtown area to a common heat distribution system served by a central heating plant. Electric Vehicles Developed draft resolution and letter to CBJ Assembly expressing support for electric vehicles and supporting infrastructure. Briefed by Catherine Wilkins, CBJ Engineering, on development of EV Charging Stations Cruise Dock Electrification Reviewed and discussed proposal for using Cruise Ship funds to plan for and construct electrification infrastructure for new cruise ship dock. Briefed by Scott Willis, AEL&P, on the current hydropower situation. Developed letter of recommendation to CBJ Assembly. III. Solid Waste Hosted discussion on CBJ waste contract, with presentation by Jim Penor, participation by Friends of Recycling. Met with Arrow Refuse staff to discuss recycling and waste management.

5 Direction for The Commission is focusing its attention during on these priorities: I. Energy Plan Work toward development of CBJ Energy Plan; identify opportunities for improving CBJ energy efficiency and cost savings, and support CBJ departments and staff working to achieve the goals of the JCAP and; develop early input concerning energy efficiency and other sustainability concerns to CBJ CIP projects and processes. II. Solid Waste/Biosolids Assist CBJ in assessing options for reducing waste, and moving toward more sustainable solid waste management for Juneau and; monitor the effectiveness of the curbside recycling program. III. Sustainability Chapter, Comprehensive Plan Update Get overview of next steps in CBJ Comprehensive Plan Update and; review existing sustainability chapter, identify revision and recommended changes.